Democracy: A Beginner's Guide

by David Beetham

Overview

As the U.S. strives to establish democracy in Iraq and contemplates its own democratic system in the wake of a series of controversial presidential elections, David Beetham offers new insights into democracy. He looks at real examples such as the role of the citizen and how large corporations affect democracy as well as contemplating the future of democracy in the developed and developing worlds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781851683635
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	04/01/2005
Series:	Beginner's Guides
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

David Beetham is Professor Emeritus of Politics at the University of Leeds, a Fellow of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex, and Associate Director of the UK Democratic Audit. He is the author and editor of numerous books and papers, including Political Power and Democratic Control in Britain (with Stuart Weir, 1999). He has travelled internationally in his capacity as consultant on democracy assessment, and is a leading contributor to the field of human rights.

Table of Contents

One
Introduction: What is Democracy?
Two
Democratic Ideas at Work in Practice
Citizen rights
Institutions of representative and accountable government
The associational life of civil society
Three
Sources of Disillusion in the ‘Old’ Democracies
Decline in government autonomy
Decline in government capacity
Declining credibility
Four
Success and Setback in the New and Emergent Democracies
Legacies of transition
Problems of consolidating and deepening democracy
State
Nation
Religion
Economy
Five
Globalising Democracy
Democracy promotion
Democratising global institutions
Democracy and the European Union
Six
Reviving Democracy: New Forms of Participation
Participation in government
Co-decision in devolved government
Deliberative opinion polls and citizens’ juries
Referenda and citizens’ initiatives
Digital democracy
Seven
Conclusion: Getting Active
Glossary of key terms
List of democracy and human rights organisations and websites

Editorial Reviews

"Beetham's book should stimulate anyone, beginner or expert, who is interested in the survival and renewal of democracy in the era of globalization."

Peter Singer - Author of The President Of Good And Evil: Taking George Bush Seriously

"Much more than an excellent introduction to 'democracy'. An informative, engaging, and inspiring book that goes beyond what one would expect in a 'beginner's' guide, without making itself inaccessible."

Political Studies

"A strong and shrewd mixture of analysis and polemic...If more was not to come, I would call this the author's crowning achievement."

Sir Bernard Crick - Emeritus Professor of Birkbeck College

"Beetham's book should stimulate anyone, beginner or expert, who is interested in the survival and renewal of democracy in the era of globalization."

Peter Singer - Author of The President Of Good And Evil: Taking George Bush Seriously